BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
SM To Bring Back Iconic Harrison Plaza-with A P6-Billion Glow-Up
Photo credit: SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Big changes are coming to Manila’s shopping scene. SM Prime Holdings Inc. is pouring over P6 billion into redeveloping the old Harrison Plaza site—and yes, a brand-new flagship mall is expected to open its doors by 2027.
This project is just one piece of SM Prime’s massive P150-billion mall expansion plan running from 2026 to 2030. The roadmap includes revamping 16 existing malls and building around 12 to 15 new lifestyle centers across the country.
For a bit of nostalgia, Harrison Plaza first opened back in 1976 and was known as the Philippines’ first-ever one-stop shopping mall. Now, it’s getting a modern comeback.
Once finished, the new SM Harrison Plaza will span over 200,000 square meters—putting it on the same level as major malls like SM City Davao and SM City Clark.
According to Steven T. Tan, the redevelopment will feature nature-inspired design, open spaces, and community-friendly areas meant for cultural and social events—not just shopping.
The goal? To strengthen SM’s presence right in the heart of Manila’s cultural and entertainment district. The new mall is expected to serve not just shoppers, but also office workers, students, and nearby residents in Malate and Ermita.
Location-wise, it’s a solid spot. The upcoming mall sits near key attractions like Manila Zoo, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, and Manila Bay—making it a potential hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Expect a mix of global brands and local shops that reflect the vibe of Malate. Plus, the project is set to create thousands of jobs, from construction to long-term operations, while helping breathe new life into Manila’s city center.
This project is just one piece of SM Prime’s massive P150-billion mall expansion plan running from 2026 to 2030. The roadmap includes revamping 16 existing malls and building around 12 to 15 new lifestyle centers across the country.
For a bit of nostalgia, Harrison Plaza first opened back in 1976 and was known as the Philippines’ first-ever one-stop shopping mall. Now, it’s getting a modern comeback.
Once finished, the new SM Harrison Plaza will span over 200,000 square meters—putting it on the same level as major malls like SM City Davao and SM City Clark.
According to Steven T. Tan, the redevelopment will feature nature-inspired design, open spaces, and community-friendly areas meant for cultural and social events—not just shopping.
The goal? To strengthen SM’s presence right in the heart of Manila’s cultural and entertainment district. The new mall is expected to serve not just shoppers, but also office workers, students, and nearby residents in Malate and Ermita.
Location-wise, it’s a solid spot. The upcoming mall sits near key attractions like Manila Zoo, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, and Manila Bay—making it a potential hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Expect a mix of global brands and local shops that reflect the vibe of Malate. Plus, the project is set to create thousands of jobs, from construction to long-term operations, while helping breathe new life into Manila’s city center.
Apr 1, 2026
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